Fifteen women and girls from across Los Angeles County received recognition for overcoming adversity and demonstrating exceptional perseverance through the annual Resilience Scholarship program.
The Los Angeles County Commission for Women honored the recipients Aug. 15 during a ceremony at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration. The scholarships recognize students who have shown determination, adaptability and the ability to rise above difficult challenges while achieving academic success.
"Our Resilience Scholarship winners' life stories, unique perspectives, and varied areas of study are a testament to the widespread impact they will have across Los Angeles County," said Supervisor Kathryn Barger, chair of the Board of Supervisors.
The program provides financial support beyond what federal and state financial aid covers, helping recipients with educational expenses as they pursue their academic goals.
Recipients represent all five supervisorial districts in the county. They include high school and college students studying diverse fields ranging from social work and sociology to public health.
Supervisor Janice Hahn noted that several recipients from her Fourth District plan to pursue careers focused on addressing societal problems. "These are fields of study that focus on understanding the problems our society faces and how to help solve them," Hahn said.
The 2025 scholarship recipients are:
First District: Chastity Janine Collado of James A. Garfield High School, Zixin "Rachel" Li of Gabrielino High School, and Inez Monze Meraz-Lerma of Whittier College.
Second District: Kalmykova Yana of El Camino College, Nijah S. Mendez of Baldwin Wallace University, and Caitlyn Omena Oppong of Howard University.
Third District: Jamie Bender of Pasadena City College, Mazel Faith Ceniza of John F. Kennedy High School, and Samantha James of UCLA.
Fourth District: Kelli Shehani Haupage of California State University, Long Beach; Isabel Lisette Gonzalez of California State University, Dominguez Hills; and Adriana Orellana-Barrientos of UC Irvine.
Fifth District: Karen Dianne D. Campos of California State University, Northridge; Astrid Arly Hernandez of Loyola Law School; and Ava Carey LaLonde of Occidental College.
Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, the county's chair pro tem, emphasized the significance of the recipients' achievements during challenging times.
"Today's scholarship recipients have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to their education, personal growth, and communities," Solis said. "As we navigate unprecedented times, it is inspirational to see the perseverance and determination each of these young women have demonstrated in the face of adversity."
Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell highlighted the program's role in addressing educational inequality. "The Resilience Scholarship helps close the opportunity gap that far too many of our young people face," she said.
The scholarship program was established in 1999 as a run/walk event. Despite facing financial challenges in 2011, the Commission for Women maintained the program through its Women of the Year event and fundraiser. Since its inception, more than 400 recipients from across the county's five supervisorial districts have received awards.
Dr. Regina Smith, president of the Los Angeles County Commission for Women, said the program aligns with the organization's broader mission.
"It is the mission of the Los Angeles County Commission for Women to ensure that women and girls are safe, supported, and that they thrive," Smith said. "We recognize that these are challenging times, yet women and girls of LA County will rise to the occasion."
The Commission for Women serves as a citizens' advisory body dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights and interests of women and girls in Los Angeles County through education, advocacy and community engagement.
More information about the Resilience Scholarship Program and the Los Angeles County Commission for Women is available at laccw.lacounty.gov.